Tampere is one of the best-kept secrets in Northern Europe. Surrounded by two large lakes that give the city its distinctive air of natural peace, Tampere (pop. 232,000) is a vibrant regional capital with an active cultural life and a versatile event scene. A big city by Finnish standards, Tampere still manages to feel like a small town. In the compact city centre, everything is within a convenient walking distance.

Tampere’s music scene far transcends the size of the city, both in volume and in scope. There are more live concerts per capita than in any other Finnish city. Over 30 annually organized music festivals cover almost every genre imaginable. Nearly twenty venues offer live music regularly. All in all, Tampere boasts Finland’s most vivid and versatile nightlife.

The city’s tourist attractions include the landmark Näsinneula tower, topped by a revolving restaurant, the world’s only Moomin Museum, Tampere Cathedral with its iconic artwork by the symbolist painter Hugo Sim-berg, Tampere Market Hall, the idyllic Pyynikki and Pispala districts and the Pyynikki Observation Tower. Tampere boasts an impressive number of public saunas, ranging from the oldest to the newest public sauna in Finland, making Tampere the Sauna Capital of the World. Read more on the 'Visit Tampere' website .

Getting There and Around  Where to stay